Western Arizona
Downstream from the Grand Canyon, the Colorado River winds through Western Arizona, providing geologically fascinating sites. See natural wonders and man-made marvels in this “coastal” region.
Hike into the vast wilderness of Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument and count stars in the dark night skies. Continue west along the Colorado River to view an impressive man-made monument, the Hoover Dam, built as a Great Depression public works project and still an important hydroelectric power source. Drive across the dam and gaze down at large Lake Mead. Walk across the modern construction of the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge and watch rafters and kayakers on the river far below.
Follow the river south to Lake Mohave where you can stand-up paddle board or waterski. Try year-round golf or trophy fishing in Bullhead City across the river from Nevada’s gambling center of Laughlin. Make a side trip east to Kingman to learn about the area’s Native American and mining history at the Mohave Museum of History and Arts. In Oatman, see wild burros and Wild West re-enactments in a one-time gold mining center, now an entertaining ghost town.
Enjoy more watersports at Lake Havasu City. The historic London Bridge was transported here in 1967 from its position over the Thames River. Just south, the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge provides a greenbelt habitat for fish and birds in the Sonoran Desert, which can reach a temperature of 120 F (50 C).
The town of Yuma is part of the Colorado River floodplain before the river’s final exit through Mexico to the Gulf of California. During the 1849 gold rush, miners crossed the river here on a rope ferry. Go tubing on the slow-moving water or bike on the trail next to the river. Explore the past at Historic Yuma Theatre and look for petroglyphs and painted rocks at Antelope Hill.
Fly to Las Vegas, San Diego, Tucson or Phoenix and rent a car to explore these Western Arizona sights at your own pace.